Young at Heart Supplement To The Alpena News Wednesday, December 6, 2023
What to know about the stages of Alzheimer’s disease Dementia is a broad term for memory loss and other cognitive issues, such as language and problem-solving problems, that can interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia. More than 6.2 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, indicates the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The Alzheimer’s Association says more than 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, and worldwide 44 million people are living with dementia. AD is caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain, known as neurons, that are essential to thinking, walking, talking, and all human activity. Researchers say that the first noticeable symptoms tend to be memory, language and thinking problems. However, the brain changes that cause the symptoms are believed to begin 20 years or more before the appearance of symptoms. Once AD sets in, it is a progressive disorder. There is no cure and cognitive issues will only continue to get worse as time goes on. At some point, around-the-clock care may be required, and patients with AD may need to enter a memory care facility because their needs may exceed the abilities of caregivers. The AFA notes there are three stages of AD, mild, moderate and late, and each stage produces unique symptoms. Mild • Forget words or misplace objects • Forget something they just read • Ask the same question over and over • Have increasing trouble making plans or organizing • Fail to remember names when meeting new people Moderate • Increased memory loss and confusion • Problems recognizing family and friends • Continuously repeating stories • Decreased ability to perform complex tasks or handle personal finances • Lack of concern for hygiene and appearance • Requiring assistance in choosing proper clothing to wear for day, season or occasion
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Severe • Recognize faces but forget names • Mistake a person for someone else • Delusions may set in • Strong need for holding something close for tactile simulation or companionship • Basic abilities fade during this period. Individuals will need help with all basic activities of daily living. People may wonder why AD is eventually fatal when it seemingly only affects cognition. Although cognitive issues that result in memory impairment are not necessarily life-threatening, the disease also can affect the body physically. The most common cause of death among Alzheimer’s patients is aspiration pneumonia. That happens when, due to difficulty in swallowing, an individual inhales food particles, liquid or even gastric fluids inadvertently, says UCLA Health. Alzheimer’s disease is a serious condition that affects millions of people. It’s important to discuss warning signs with doctors and get the facts about this form of dementia as early as possible.
3 tips to catch up on retirement savings One need not look long or far to be reminded of the importance of saving for retirement. Indeed, it’s hard to go a single day without encountering roadside billboards, television and streaming service advertisements, and/or promotional emails touting the retirement planning services offered by an assortment of investment firms. If those adds seem ubiquitous, it’s for good reason, as saving for retirement is among the most important steps individuals can take as they look to ensure their long-term financial security. Despite the widely accepted significance of retirement planning, studies indicate that many people are behind on saving and aware that they’re behind. According to a recent survey from the online financial resource Bankrate, 55 percent of respondents indicated they are behind on their retirement saving. In addition, a Gallup poll released in May 2023 indicated that just 43 percent of nonretirees think they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. The good news for individuals who are behind or concerned about their financial wellness in retirement is that three strategies can help them catch up on their savings. 1. Take advantage of catch-up rules if you qualify. Laws governing retirement accounts in the United States allow individuals 50 and older to contribute more to their retirement accounts than they’re eligible to
contribute prior to turning 50. Bankrate yourself that the less money spent on din- retirement. notes that current laws allow individuals ing out and travel now means more money Three simple strategies make it easier to over 50 to contribute an extra $1,000 per will be available to spend on such luxuries in catch up on retirement savings. year to a traditional or Roth IRA and an extra $7,500 annually to a 401(k), 403(b) or 457(b) account. In Canada, individuals can contribute the maximum to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). According to the National Bank of Canada, individuals can contribute up to 18 percent of their annual income to an RRSP, and those contributions are deducted from taxable income. That means individuals are potentially saving more for down the road and paying less in taxes today. 2. Itemize your tax deductions. The online financial resource Investopedia notes that taking the standard deduction is not for everyone. Individuals with significant amounts of mortgage interest, business-related expenses that are not reimbursed by an employer, and/or charitable donations may lower their tax obligation by itemizing their deductions. That reduction in tax obligation allows individuals to redirect those funds to their retirement accounts. 3. Cut back on discretionary spending. Perhaps the simplest, though not necessarily the easiest, way to catch up on retirement savings is to redirect funds typically spent on discretionary expenses like dining out or travel into retirement accounts. One way to feel better about this approach is to remind ____________________________________________
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 ~Young at Heart - 3
Age-based financial goals to promote long-term security
The importance of saving for retirement is emphasized from the moment young adults enter the professional arena. Whether it’s parents urging their grown children to save or financial firms advertising their retirement planning services or employers sponsoring retirement investment vehicles, professionals need not look far to be reminded of the significance of saving for the day when they call it a career. Despite the ubiquity of the message emphasizing the importance of saving for retirement, millions of people are behind in their retirement savings. A 2023 survey by the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan found that 44 percent of the 2,000 Canadian employees surveyed have not set aside any money for retirement in the past year, while 32
percent acknowledged they had not set aside any money for retirement. The situation is similar in the United States, where a 2023 CNBC Your Money survey found that 56 percent of Americans feel they are not on track to retire comfortably. Such figures can serve as a lesson for all professionals, but especially young adults who recently entered or are about to enter the professional arena. Each individual is different, and those who aspire to retire early will need to save more at a younger age than those who plan to retire at age 70 or later. In an effort to help individuals ensure they save enough to enjoy their golden years, the financial experts at Fidelity® have designed an age-based system that can serve as a guideline for professionals
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who want to stay on track as they save for retirement. These figures are based on retiring at age 67 and are intended to ensure such individuals can maintain their preretirement lifestyles. Individuals who want to retire before or after that age are urged to work with a financial advisor to meet their goals. • Age 30: Fidelity® recommends individuals have at least 1x their salary saved by age 30. • Age 35: This approach calls for individuals to have 2x their salary saved by age 35. • Age 40: If retiring at 67 is the goal, having 3x your salary saved by age 40 can help make that a reality. • Age 45: 4x your salary should be saved by age 45 to retire comfortably at age 67.
• Age 50: Fidelity® recommends individuals have 6x their salary saved by age 50. • Age 55: 7x your salary is the suggested savings benchmark to reach by age 55. • Age 60: Individuals who aspire to retire at 67 are urged to save 8x their salary by the time they reach age 60. • Age 67: When the day comes to retire at 67, Fidelity recommends individuals have 10x their salary saved. These figures are just a benchmark and are not intended to take the place of professional financial advice. Though these goals can serve as motivation to save, individuals should know that savings goals can exceed these recommendations as well.
7 Misconceptions About Medicare (StatePoint) There’s no way around it: Medicare is confusing. While this government-sponsored health insurance helps millions of Americans each year, it also comes with many requirements, guidelines and questions. Here are seven myths about Medicare and the truth you might not know from Bankers Life, a national life and health insurance brand. Myth #1: You Can Apply at 62 Many people think they’ll be eligible to enroll in Medicare when they turn 62. However, the age of eligibility is typically 65. You’ll have seven months (starting three months before you turn 65 and ending three months after the month you turn 65) to sign up — this is called your Initial Enrollment Period. There are exceptions. For example, if you have a disability and qualify for benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you can also get Medicare. Myth #2: You’re Automatically Enrolled at 65 If you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and will receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday, or 25th month of disability. If you aren’t getting either of these types of retirement benefits, it’s your responsibility to enroll in a Medicare plan by calling the Social Security Administration, visiting your local office, or applying online. Myth #3: Medicare Will Contact You When It’s Time to Enroll Medicare won’t contact you directly when it’s time to enroll. If you
receive an email, call or other communication claiming to be Medicare and asking for personal information, it’s likely a scam. You should never: • Give out your Medicare card, Medicare number, Social Security card or Social Security number (except to your doctor or someone else whom you know should have it) • Accept money or gifts for free medical care • Let anyone besides your doctor see your medical records • Join a Medicare plan over the phone (unless you called Medicare yourself) If you suspect you might be involved in a scam call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Myth #4: If You’ve Never Worked, You Can’t Get Medicare For many Americans, Medicare is available at no cost because they worked for 10 or more (recent) years. However, if you (or your spouse or parent) has certain medical conditions or disabilities, you may be able to receive disability benefits and Medicare Part A. Alternatively, if you don’t qualify for free Medicare, you might be able to purchase Part A. You will need to pay for it because you didn’t “pay into” the federal funds that power Medicare with income tax. You’ll pay either $278 or $506 each month for Part A, and will need to purchase Part B. Myth #5: Medicare and Medicaid Are The Same Medicare and Medicaid are separate government programs. Medicare is intended for people at retirement age or who have certain disabilities, while Medicaid primarily serves people who have low income.
Myth #6: Only Retirement Age Individuals Can Get Medicare Medicare is available for younger people with disabilities or certain medical conditions. To qualify, you’ll need to have either received SSDI for 24 months, or have either End-Stage Renal Disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease). Myth #7: Medicare Registration Is Always Open You’re only able to enroll in a plan during Medicare’s Annual Open En-
rollment Period, occurring each year from October 15 to December 7 and during your personal Initial Enrollment Period. Keep in mind that each enrollment period has strict guidelines about who qualifies and how to apply. Not following these requirements can result in penalties. Make sure you’re playing by the rules. A financial advisor or licensed insurance agent can help guide you and answer any questions.
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Dimentia and driving The National Institute on Aging reports that people with dementia are often incapable of recognizing they are experiencing issues with driving a motor vehicle. Though some people confronting the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia can still drive safely, the NIA notes they will likely need to stop as their condition more profoundly affects their memory and decision-making skills. The NIA suggests family and friends of drivers diagnosed with dementia keep an eye out for signs that could indicate if their
loved can continue to drive safely. Such indicators can include drivers forgetting how to get to and from familiar locales, such as their local grocery store or their homes. Concerned loved ones also can speak with a dementia patient’s physician to determine how much their condition may be affecting their ability to drive. During these consultations, loved ones can ask physicians to recommend strategies regarding how to approach letting the person know it’s no longer safe for them to drive.
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Read more to improve overall health Aging is often associated with minor forgetfulness and loss of cognitive function, but it does not cause the types of issues that arise with dementia. According to Medical News Today, millions of people around the world have dementia, which is a term given to various chronic neurodegenerative conditions that affect cognitive abilities and memory, including Alzheimer’s disease. Research is ongoing in an effort to understand more about what can be done to reduce dementia risk and cognitive impairment. Reading may be something to explore. A study published in 2021 in Neurology found that high levels of cognitive activity, such as reading, playing games like checkers and puzzles, and writing letters, can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by 5 years among those aged 80 years and over. So how can people read more? Consider these five ideas. 1. Carry a book or e-reader. Turn to a book rather than a cell phone for entertainment while waiting at appointments, school pick-up, commutes, and other times when waiting is necessary.
2. Get newspapers delivered. Getting the news online can be convenient, but once you’re on the internet it’s easy to go down various rabbit holes that take you away from news information sites. Rather, pick up a newspaper and read it each day. You’ll be strengthening cognitive health and supporting your local community in the process. 3. Join a book club. Book clubs are popular ways to meet new people and read regularly. Socialization opportunities and reading are great for seniors who may worry about cognitive health. 4. Get a library card. Visiting the library is still a fashionable thing to do. It’s often a community hub for activities, and provides the most affordable place to get reading material. 5. Stop into a bookshop while shopping. Make a point of popping into a book retailer while out and about. You never know what might pique your interest, particularly when visiting smaller, independent booksellers.
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Tips to Protect Yourself From Text Message Cyberattacks (StatePoint) Every day, cybercriminals create new methods of obtaining private financial information from unsuspecting individuals, most commonly employing tactics like emailing strangers and convincing them to either share personal information or take an action that compromises their systems and devices. Known as “phishing,” these cybercrime attempts can also come by way of short message service (SMS) or text messaging, and when they do, it’s called “smishing.” Scammers use smishing to prompt victims to click on internet links or send classified or personal information through texts and other messaging apps, making individuals vulnerable to identity theft and even extortion. However, understanding their methods can help you protect yourself. Here’s what to know: Attacks Are Getting More Sophisticated Cybercriminals often use a tactic called spoofing, where they impersonate a known sender or transmit messages from a legitimate number. Even if you know the sender, it’s still important to verify the message’s legitimacy before responding, opening an attachment, or clicking on a link that could potentially compromise your device. Cybercriminals also share stolen credentials and personal information more readily now and work in gangs, ultimately
amplifying the threat. Through social engineering of your publicly available information — often gleaned from social media — and private data procured illicitly, scammers are able to craft text messages specifically designed to lower your defenses. This means, communication may look like it’s being sent from a known person or number, possibly making reference to shared knowledge. Fraudsters may apply a sense of urgency or other scare tactic that prompts you to react quickly instead of taking the time to scrutinize a request. Additionally, the ever-growing capabilities of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools have made it easier for scammers to develop smishing attempts that closely mirror conversation, making it simpler and more affordable to distribute cyberattacks successfully to a large audience. “Whereas previous smishing and phishing messages often didn’t make sense, as generative AI advances, these messages contain fewer grammatical or spelling mistakes. As a result, users are less able to distinguish them from legitimate communications,” says Raina Kanakis, a security specialist with PNC’s Global Security Fusion Center.
ify senders’ identities is by cross-checking short codes — the five- or six-digit number used by companies to deliver text messages to your phone. Each of these unique codes is used for certain purposes — to transmit card activity alerts, for instance. Many companies, such as PNC Bank, have established resources to enable customers to verify the legitimacy of text messages appearing to come from them. By referencing PNC’s Short Codes page for example, you can verify whether a text message originated from a legitimate short code, helping you detect and avoid possible impersonation fraud. Use these additional strategies to help thwart smishing attempts: 1. If you are not expecting the message, proceed with caution. 2. Do not immediately respond.
4. If the message appears to come from a familiar company, contact them on a different channel to confirm legitimacy.
5. Getting a text and subsequent call does not increase legitimacy. Hang up and call the company or financial institution directly using a known telephone number.
6. Screenshot and send any suspicious messages appearing to come from a company to them to verify and alert.
7. To report smishing to all mobile telecom carriers, screenshot and send the message to 7726. For added protection, use the “Report Junk” feature on your mobile carrier’s system.
8. Visit the FCC website for more information on how to avoid smishing scams.
3. Do not click on any links within a text message. Navigate to the URL using a different means to validate it.
Simple Precautions Can Mitigate Risk Vigilance is key, especially as attacks become more sophisticated. One way to ver-
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